The 2018 Egyptian presidential election featured Moussa Mostafa Moussa as the sole opponent to incumbent Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Born in Giza in 1952, he operates at the intersection of professional architecture and national politics, having spent his early academic years in France before returning to navigate the complex landscape of Egyptian party factions and public office candidacy.
Academic Background
Moussa began his formal education in Egypt before relocating to France. Acting on his father's advice, he pursued advanced studies at the École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Versailles. He successfully completed his training there, earning a master's degree in architecture, a credential that would eventually sit alongside his career in partisan politics.
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His political trajectory became defined by his involvement with El-Ghad Party starting in 2005. Following the imprisonment of party leader Ayman Nour, the organization experienced a schism between factions led by Moussa and Gameela Ismail. After a period of legal and administrative contention regarding the rights to the party name and symbols, the dispute reached a resolution in May 2011, officially confirming the leadership of Moussa's group. He subsequently directed the party throughout the 2011–12 election cycle and previously sought a seat in the Egyptian House of Representatives for the Southern Giza constituency during the 2010 elections.
The 2018 Presidential Campaign
Before his own entry into the 2018 presidential race, Moussa actively supported the incumbent, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, even participating in the collection of pledges for the president's campaign. On 20 January 2018, he reversed this position, announcing his intent to stand for office. He submitted his documentation to the National Election Authority the following day at 1:45pm, narrowly meeting the filing deadline by 15 minutes. His application included 47,000 signatures and endorsements from 26 members of parliament. His presence on the ballot occurred in a climate where other prospective challengers had withdrawn or been removed from the electoral process.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952
- Birthplace: Giza, Egypt
- Education: École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Versailles
- Political party: El-Ghad Party
- Brother: Ali Moussa
- Languages: French, Arabic, Egyptian Arabic
Questions readers ask
What was the result of the El-Ghad Party leadership dispute?
In May 2011, the conflict between Moussa and Gameela Ismail was resolved in favour of Moussa's faction.
How did Moussa qualify for the 2018 presidential election?
He submitted 47,000 signatures and the support of 26 members of parliament to the National Election Authority minutes before the deadline.
Achievements
- Trained at École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Versailles
